“I really don’t like talking about myself,” admitted Franco Botha, Director of Golf Operations at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, at the start of our interview.
It was an unexpected confession from someone recently crowned Golf Operations Manager of the Year at the 59Club Global Service Excellence Awards, but perhaps telling of Botha’s approach to leadership.
“I won because of the team I have around me,” he said. “We won Golf Operations Team of the Year two years running at the 59Club MEA Awards in 2024 and 2025, so it’s a very talented group and we take great pride in what we do. To win that award once is great, but to retain it is special.”
At the inaugural 59Club global awards, five managers in different areas of the industry were recognised for their ‘highest standards of professionalism, passion and innovation, inspiring their teams and setting a global benchmark for service excellence’.
Validation
“I’ve had moments in the past, as most people have, where I’ve doubted myself, but the award was like a validation, a confirmation that I’m heading in the right direction,” said Botha, who moved to the Middle East in 2010 from his native South Africa and held roles at Saadiyat Beach Club in Abu Dhabi, The Els Club in Dubai and Royal Golf Club, Bahrain before joining Jumeirah Golf Estates in 2023.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work for some great leaders and others who were more challenging. Each experience offered valuable lessons.
“I’ve been very fortunate that most of my superiors have been willing to invest time in my development – Paul Booth (currently General Manager at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah) in particular. He used to say he had no issue with people below him eventually overtaking him because it gives him great joy to see others grow and develop.”
Motivation
Botha believes he and his team “now have targets on their backs” as their competition in the region tries to match them.
“It’s a good thing,” said Botha. “The UAE is pretty competitive. We all get along but we push each other.
“The work started as soon as I got back (from The Belfry). I believe the event is in Dubai next year and we have our sights set on retaining the awards.”
Rutger Smits from The Dutch, who was named F&B Manager of the Year at the 59Club Europe Awards in March, also believes the awards provide motivation for him and his team.
“The awards are purely based on the results of mystery shopper visits, so every day there’s a possibility of having one,” said Smits, who was previously a chef and restaurant owner before joining The Dutch 10 years ago. “It motivates you to be your best all year round.
“We’re a private members’ club, so when you look at the other nominees on the shortlist – particularly those from larger, more commercial resorts, it makes me very proud to be considered among them.
“To earn this recognition is very rewarding.”
Advice for aspiring managers
Carmen Laguna from Arabella Golf Mallorca, who won European Retail Manager of the Year at the 59Club Europe Global Service Excellent Awards in March 2025, tries not to think too much about awards – but believes if you continually strive for excellence, recognition will follow.
“Of course it’s an honour, but awards are not my goal,” she said. “It’s a reflection of the hard work of my team. We always go the extra mile to make our members and guests feel welcome and comfortable.
“My advice would be to always put the customer first and value your team. Golf is a demanding industry – it requires passion, dedication and patience but it’s full of opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take on responsibilities, share ideas and always look for ways to improve.”
Botha also advocates using data to improve your offering.
“I put a lot of time into interpreting the data to perfect the experience at Jumeirah Golf Estates,” he said.
“No club is going to get it right every time, especially if you’re a club doing 80,000 rounds or more a year. You’re allowed to get it wrong sometimes. What defines you is what you learn from mistakes and how you recover to keep getting better.”
